Imrie-Risley AWI Boy Drummer (1 Viewer)

[blaster]

I had bought this iconic IR figure many years ago. I did some slight modification to the head, and added the hat, sling bag, canteen, sword and drum. The figure was found broken and I have decided to redo it completely. It is now soaking in Dettol.

 

[Larry Allen]

His battle wounds look pretty severe, but I will be delighted to see some of your magic and his return from the TS hospital.

--- LaRRy

 

[blaster]

Hello Larry,

Thanks fro your generous comments. I've always wanted to be a plastic surgeon and work on women's assets but life is strange...

This piece may yet turn out to be a sleeper. Although I have always liked the pose, I never thought about further improving upon it all these years. Working on it over the weekend has certainly given me a new perspective on this piece.

Following a soaking Dettol, I misplaced the left arm (probably flushed it down the sink!), Because I had to refashion a new arm, I realised that I could change the position of the drum. Thus the left hand could hug the drum in a more realistic fashion.

After scrapping off residual paint and loose putty, I decided to remove the original lug holding the drum near the left thigh. The lug was filed off and a new hole was drilled further up the body to insert a short wire. The drum was fixed in this new position. The right arm had a wire inserted to reposition it and wire was used to create a new left arm.

Rgds Victor

Photo essay follows:


Dark green putty was easily scrapped off. The canteen and drum are plastic accessories. The original IR drum was not well-sculpted. You can see the original lug near the left thigh.




The drum was attached in the new position.



This view shows the previously sculpted forage bag which was left as it is. The right arm and hand were repositioned.

 

[blaster]

Collars added and the thighs were bulked up. The armature for the left arm is taking shape.

 

[blaster]

These four pics show the really dynamic pose that was achieved. The canteen and drum sling were added. Final sculpting of arms, cuffs and the left hand can be seen gripping the drum ropes. Hair and ponytail with ribbons were sculpted. Some putty was added to the tunic to fair it to the sleeves. The hat from the previous conversion was from Airfix.

 

[blaster]

I added the sword under the drum and couldn't wait to paint the undercoats. I'll probably add patches to the coat and breeches.

 

[blaster]

I made the hanging drum slings from metal sheet strips. Buttons and cloth patches were added from putty. I have started to paint the piece.

 

[Larry Allen]

The transformation is wonderful. I am learning a bit about figure painting and repair ... thanks teach'
--- LaRRy

 

[whdamon]

Very creative modification. Some of these older IR figures have a lot of conversion possibilities. Fine job
Walt Damon

 

[blaster]

Hello Walt and Larry,

Thanks for your kind comments. I haven't had a chance to post for a few days as I was busy. I am just sharing with all the fun in repair, refurbishing and converting old figures. It is also quite easy to do with a little practice. More to come soon on this figure.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

I sculpted a left ear and then painted the piece in oil paints. It is awaiting further detailing, including the buttons. Meanwhile, I have started to make up a suitable base.

 

[blaster]

The base was conceived of as a gentle slope with a paved footpath and a fence. Small bricks were embedded into the groundwork. The fence was made from basswood. Final painting and some foliage still has to be added.

 

[blaster]

I added a tree and finalised the painting on this piece. Grass was added. I may add more foliage at a later period to represent a specific season but this is finished for now. A very satisfactory result from an abandoned piece.

Rgds Victor

 

[Obee]

That's great Victor.

love the addition of the tree, most realistic,

John

 

[Napoleon1er]

I love the piece! It really captures the atmosphere of the scene and you can perceive the motion.....
Rgds,
Sandor

 

[blaster]

Hello John and Sandor,

Thanks for your kind comments.

I'll see if I can heighten the sense of movement and urgency to this piece. I will most likely be adding some leaves and other foliage to this piece in the near future. Still selecting the season and a thematic battle to go with it. I rather like an autumn scene, nice browns to play with.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

I've added foliage to my groundwork, representing autumn. The tree has had some metal-etch leaves added, painted to look like Silver Birch. I have mounted the piece onto another round base, creating a sense of solidity to this piece.

 

[blaster]

I've just improved further on this piece. But I won't have time to take any pics for the next few days so will keep you all in suspense...

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

I selected suitable newspaper images from around the AWI period, scanned and cut them out to represent typical 4 page newspapers of the period. These were carefully crumpled and glued into place on the piece. Next, maple leaves were carefully positioned on the newspapers, figure, fence and tree with white glue to represent leaves scattered and fluttering in the wind. Just borrowing the concept from my earlier samurai piece. Finished.

"The Redcoats are Coming!".

 

[Mirof]

Hello Blaster

Quite a very good evolution in your way of painting . Continue that way .
Suggestion : the drum skin is more tan than white, darker on the side, clearer on the center . Then try to simulate where the drumsticks hit the drum . Take a toothpick, cut the point, take with the new flat tip a darker color and taps from center outward, more taps in the center .

Now for my taste : to much newspapers and to much leaves . I would have stopped the step before . But that is me . And for the signature ... I would have used the other side of the fence .


Best